Richard Mille

The RM 33-03 Automatic is Richard Mille’s rare foray into the round watch, but it’s anything but traditional. Offered in grade 5 titanium or Carbon TPT® with a 5N red gold caseband, it builds on the RM 33-02, fusing the sporty tonneau aesthetic with the purity of a circular case. Inside is the wafer-thin RMXP3 calibre, a skeletonised automatic movement just 3.28 mm thick. A platinum micro rotor mounted on ceramic bearings winds bi-directionally, while a titanium baseplate treated with Titalyt® and black PVD-coated bridges keep the ultra-thin construction rigid and precise.

The dial feels almost architectural, with a semi-instantaneous date at 5 o’clock and a rare small seconds display at 6. A variable-inertia balance beats at 3Hz, regulated by four tiny weights to fine-tune its oscillation, driving a 40-hour power reserve. True to Richard Mille, finishing is exceptional, sandblasting, satin-finishing, and beveling create a play of light and shadow through the openworked structure. The 18K 5N red gold numerals appear to float on titanium rails, adding depth without distracting from the technicality beneath.

Despite its complexity, the RM 33-03 wears effortlessly. Measuring 41.7 mm across and just 9.7 mm thick, it’s featherlight thanks to its advanced materials but feels reassuringly solid. The tripartite case, with polished and satin finishes, is secured by the brand’s signature titanium spline screws, while the strap flows naturally from the case and closes with a titanium folding buckle. Whether in full titanium or Carbon TPT® with gold accents, it’s a pure distillation of Richard Mille’s philosophy: cutting-edge materials, uncompromising engineering, and unmistakable design.